Flood Risk in Redfern, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Flood Risk Score
6.5/10Redfern faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.
Key Facts
- Flood Risk
- Redfern faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.
- Trend
- increasing
- Suburb
- Redfern, NSW
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 2016
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 9.6% of land (bushfire)
Flood Risk Analysis
Redfern, located in New South Wales, has a notable flood risk profile based on available data including proximity to waterways, elevation, and historical flood events. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) maintains river height and flood warning data for catchments across New South Wales.
Historical flood events have impacted properties along low-lying streets. Improved drainage is a key priority.
Redfern faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.
For a comprehensive property-specific flood assessment including address-level elevation data, flood overlay mapping, and insurance cost estimates, use the ClimateNest full analysis tool. General suburb data cannot replace a site-specific evaluation.
Redfern sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for flood risk. 7.3% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk flood zones and 76.5% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in Redfern.
Redfern (postcode 2016) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (9.6% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (7.5% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (7.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Redfern โ individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Local Hazard Evidence
Historical Events
Localized flooding occurred due to intense rainfall, causing minor disruptions to traffic and some property damage.
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in low-lying areas of Redfern, impacting several businesses and residences.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure
ImmediateInvest in upgrading drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.
Est. cost: High
Implement Urban Greening Initiatives
Near-termIncrease green spaces and tree canopy cover to mitigate the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Develop Heat Action Plan
ImmediateCreate a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.
Est. cost: Low
Community Awareness Programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures, such as preparing for floods and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Promote Water Sensitive Urban Design
Long-termIncorporate water sensitive urban design principles in new developments to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Redfern Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Redfern:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redfern at risk of flooding?
Based on available data, Redfern has a notable flood risk profile. Flood risk varies by address โ check your specific property for precise flood zone mapping and elevation data with ClimateNest.
What flood insurance costs can I expect in Redfern?
Insurance costs for flood cover in Redfern depend on the property's flood zone classification, elevation, and proximity to waterways. ClimateNest provides address-level insurance cost estimates based on your property's specific hazard exposure.
Does flood risk affect property values in Redfern?
Yes, flood risk can affect property values in Redfern. Properties in mapped flood zones may experience lower buyer demand, reduced valuations, and higher insurance costs. Lenders increasingly assess flood exposure as part of mortgage risk evaluation.
How does elevation affect flood risk in Redfern?
Elevation is a critical factor in flood risk. Properties at higher elevations within Redfern typically have lower flood exposure than those near waterways or in low-lying areas. Address-level elevation data combined with BOM flood mapping provides the most accurate picture.
What share of Redfern is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 9.6% of Redfern in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 62.2% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform โ individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Redfern Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Redfern, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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